So, in your opinion, do you think that if a bird is on a pellet diet, that the pellets are enough with just a little bit of supplements, like extra fruits, veggies, grains? Or do you think that there should still be a ton of extra foods and supplements even when you are on a pellet diet? I've heard that it is possible for having too much of some nutrients, and so you shouldn't give them too much extra, and I've also heard that you shouldn't give them any extra foods at all with pellets. What is your opinion? What have you heard?

Hmm the only food Ive heard not too give too much of when on pellets is egg because it can be too much protein. I feed mine pellets, seed, and give them veggies everyday and other treats like millet and such. I dont think you can give them too many fruits/veggies or grains but Im not a nutrition expert.

TOP pellets are an important part of a complete diet. Feed approximately as much as your bird will consume in a day. Some days birds will eat more than others so the amount will fluctuate. Discard the remainder and feed fresh pellets each time. Consult your avian veterinarian if you have any specific diet related concerns. Although an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, we believe that no pellet can provide 100% of a bird’s nutritional needs. Please be sure to feed vegetables, fruits, nuts, and some seeds for a varied diet.

It depends on the brand... Harrison's, for example, wants you to feed your bird ONLY Harrison's and maybe a tablespoon of "treats" a day max and they say as much on their packaging and the vet who took over Dr Harrison's practice preaches as much. Other brands and other vets have different opinions. The worst case I saw was a woman with an African Grey who went to that vet (I won't name her, just out of courtesy) and tried explaining to me that "it's what they'd eat in the wild, according to Dr _____ so he eats ONLY Harrison's! He wouldn't eat all that other junk, fruit and such, in the wild!" I just stared at her and said "...so in the wild, African Greys forage for little brown cubes of mashed and extruded seeds and nutrients? That's what they dig for out in the wild? News to me!"

Personally, I don't think pellets should be 100% a birds diet with nothing else - health wise it might be great! but imagine eating nothing but a bowl of cheerios all day, every day... it's no good for them mentally, they're too clever and instinctively want to forage. So I personally compromise by giving 75% pellet, 25% high quality seed/dried fruit and veg mix, so they're not overdoing the pellets, and then supplement with fresh goodies. It's all in what you're comfortable with. Different brands are made different ways too, so depending on the pellet you're feeding you have more freedom to play with it. Harrison's is so packed with vitamins and supplements you have to be careful offering anything else. Others, not so much.

Um...who in the world would ever say that? I'm sorry, but I kind of have this temptation to slap whoever started that idea...

That's how I feel, Jenny. I'd hate to have to just eat the same thing. My vet insists that I only give Harrison's and that treats and extra food should be given in small moderation. I questioned him about that. I do use Harrison's, so in your opinion, do you think I should be careful about giving extra foods?

Um...who in the world would ever say that? I'm sorry, but I kind of have this temptation to slap whoever started that idea...

That's how I feel, Jenny. I'd hate to have to just eat the same thing. My vet insists that I only give Harrison's and that treats and extra food should be given in small moderation. I questioned him about that. I do use Harrison's, so in your opinion, do you think I should be careful about giving extra foods?

I feed all 8 of my birds ( 6 budgies a parrotlet and a green cheek ) Zupreem fruity pellets 24/7.. they also have seed mixes ( keet mix for the budgies and 'let and tiel mix for the conure) 24/7 and then every morning they get fresh fruit and veggies mixed with cooked rices , pastas, grains and legumes. I feel a variety of good foods is the key to covering all the bases. The conure also gets about a tsp of budgie seed every couple of days in a treat dish cuz he loves the tiny seeds ... he also gets a tbspoon every couple of days of a dried fruit and nut treat , but is not so keen on that. He loves his fresh fruit tho. I also give egg food on a regular basis.

In the past I've added seeds to the mix, at the exact current moment, they are just eating Harrison's. Next time I go to the store I have to get some seeds, as I keep forgetting to do that. I mean, overall I do add seeds to it. Seeds are apart of their diet. Is that what you mean?

Both of my birds are on Roudybush Crumbles, but get fruit, veggies, birdy bread (has fruit, veggies, egg, seed and pellets in it), a cooked food like Beak Appetit, a Nutraberry and/or AviCakes now and then as a treat.

My avian vet also recommended 75% pellets, 25% fruit, veggies, seed, etc. He said vitamin supplements aren't necessary when they are eating pellets, as this would be too much. This is also the diet the birds at my wonderful bird shop give their birds.

This works for us, both birds are healthy and happy. I would say do what works for you and your birds and what the vet recommends.

pellets should be part of a diet, but nott all of it. I give my guys seeds, and homemade mash (with sprouted and cooked grains, veggies and fruits), birdie bread and nutriberry treats. The more variety the better is my opinion

i heard pellets should only be 20% of the diet. the staple diet seed, supplemented with veggies, pellets, pastas, and other goodies, but because of the pellets, avoid foods high in protein such as eggs and meats because they can cause kidney problems with the extra protein

I agree with you, Abby. 20% pellets is too low. As I posted above, my avian vet said "about" 75% pellets, 25% everything else. I sure can't imagine a life of ALL pellets -- how boring! Even the food my dogs eat has a variets of colors, textures and flavors in it!

Exactly. We're all wrong.
However, my vet has a secondhand cockatiel he got when she was maybe...fifteen? She is thirty two or something ridiculous like that now, and he only feeds her Harrison's pellets, with very little additional stuff. So I trust Harrion's, but I rather only give 75% Harrisons, the rest seeds and other nutritious fresh foods.